Cow And Farm Questions
Who are the Truly Grass Fed farmers?
Truly Grass Fed operates within a co-op structure, so our milk suppliers are also our shareholders. Our network of small family-run farms spans some of Ireland’s most fertile land, and our farmers spend their lives caring for their lands and herds. Many of our farms have been handed down through generations, which makes them a true national treasure. This inheritance culture in dairy farming ensures that Truly Grass Fed farms maintain a natural way of farming.
Who are the Truly Grass Fed cows?
Truly Grass Fed cows are the lucky ones. They get to live on Truly Grass Fed farms with lots of room to roam in outdoor pastures, familiar family farmers and a diet of fresh, nutritious grass. There are many breeds of dairy cow that supply Truly Grass Fed milk, and the most common types living on our Irish farms are Friesian and Jersey crosses.
How many cows are in your herds?
Our average herd size is 100 cows, allowing our farmers to have much more personal knowledge about each cow’s needs and even her personality.
How are the cows treated on Truly Grass Fed farms?
Truly Grass Fed cows live peaceful lives on small family farms. They spend, on average, 250 days a year outside, grazing in fields of lush green grass with plenty of room to roam. A diet of natural grass provides complete nutrition and easy digestion, and the slow-paced lifestyle is exactly how our happy cows love to live. They have the freedom to eat when and how much they want and are well cared for by their dedicated farmers.
Small herds mean farmers get to know each cow individually, which leads to a deeper level of attention every single day. Truly Grass Fed cows are never treated with growth hormones or milk-producing hormones, and our dedicated veterinarian guides our milk suppliers on all aspects of animal health and welfare.
How are Truly Grass Fed dairy farms different?
When we say small family farms, we really mean it. The average Truly Grass Fed dairy herd is only 100 cows. In addition, almost 100% of Truly Grass Fed farms are inherited. In many cases, the same farm is being operated by several generations of one family.
What does Animal Welfare Approved mean?
Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW (AWA) is an independent nonprofit certification program for farm animal welfare, outdoor access and sustainability. Its comprehensive requirements can be found here: https://agreenerworld.org/certifications/animal-welfare-approved/
What do Truly Grass Fed cows eat during the winter?
In December and January, when the temperature drops and grass growth slows, we give our cows shelter and feed them grass silage that has been collected from the green fields during the summer. We add very small amounts of concentrates to fill the nutrition gap while our cows take a break from producing milk during the cold months. Truly Grass Fed cows’ diets are at least 95% grass with only 5% or less coming from other natural sources.
Why do Truly Grass Fed cows only consume 95% grass?
Truly Grass Fed cows spend most of their time grazing outdoors. The natural green grass provides all the nutrition they need. During the winter, we give our cows shelter to stay warm. During this time inside from the pastures, they continue to consume ensiled grass that was collected and saved during the summer months, also known as sileage. We also supplement their feed with a small amount of minerals and vitamins (less than 5% of their diet) to provide extra nutrition. That’s where the other 5% comes in.
Do your cows ever receive antibiotics?
If a cow is sick and requires antibiotics, they are administered for the health of the cow and their milk is removed from the supply. Once the cow is back to health and their milk is clear of any antibiotics, we return their milk to the overall Truly Grass Fed milk supply.
Do your dairy products ever contain artificial growth hormones?
No. We do not administer any artificial growth hormones. Our milk is rBST-free. Even though no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from growth-hormone-treated and non-growth-hormone-treated cows, we are choosing to not treat cows with any growth hormones.
Are the cows in barns or pastures?
Our cows live their best lives outside on pasture 250 days per year (based on a three-year average). In the winter months, temperatures drop and grass growth slows. During some of this time, our farmers move the cows indoors and feed them sileage—stored dried grass—much like hay. As soon as it’s nice enough, the cows are back to grazing outside, giving them 250 days outside on pasture.
What do the cows eat?
Glad you asked! Our cows are 95% grass fed with the majority of that spent outside grazing. The other 5% is supplemental feed, consisting of native grain, some incremental protein, and vitamins and minerals to keep the cows in good health and with a strong immune system.
Where are your farms located?
The Truly Grass Fed certified farms are located in one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland in the southeastern region. Our family farms are spread across this hilled, lush, verdant landscape.